Cal Thomas’ article on Feb. 27, “Florida governor pulls ultimate flip-flop,” condemned Florida Gov. Rick Scott, (a Republican who has sharply opposed implementation of the Affordable Care Act), for accepting federal funds to cover more Floridians under Medicaid.

It could not have been easy for Gov. Scott to change his mind, even as seven other Republican governors have made the same decision to accept Medicaid funding in recent months. Echoing these other conservative leaders, he said that it was simply the right thing to do for people who are struggling to get the health services they need.

These federal health care dollars have also been set aside for Maine, which is now the only state in New England choosing not to cover more people, boost our economy, and save several Maine businesses from facing new federal tax burdens.

Gov. Scott has set aside ideological arguments in favor of practical and compassionate ones.

Far from criticizing him, people should encourage Gov. Paul LePage to accept Maine’s funds as well.

Bonnie Shulman, Auburn